I Am What I Am

Although not bad, 'Col guore in gola' is clearly inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni's 'Blow Up' -- the famous film from 1966, capturing London's young & fashionable mid-Sixties spirit with unparalleled quality. This Italian copy even goes as far as mentioning Antonioni.

'Col guore in gola's somewhat hazy plot clearly does not make this film's main attraction. It's the visuals that are prominent here, and they surely are great and inspiring. And very, yes very, mid-Sixties -- as well as a little too extended to our 21st century-taste.

Male lead Jean Louis Trintignant does not need any introduction. His performance is as usual: most competent. Female lead Ewa Aulin, reminding me of Goldie Hawn, does well, too. Together they take you through 'Col guore in gola', making you a nice watch.

I love the clear inspiration from comic books. Very artistic style. The intermittent use of b&w is gorgeous. Ewa Aulin is a dream. Simply stunning.

However, the plot is a mess. The pacing is a mess. The tone is all over the place. The overall narrative has a mystery/detective/crime genre feel to it, but there are so many jarring departures into comedy(?) These tonal bungles kill the suspense and the believability.

This film is very stylized, liked a lot of the editing effects, the split images in-particular, also how it cuts to war images of Vietnam and changes to black and white in parts. The sets, costumes/wardrobe are elaborate and detailed, the lighting is very good also. Interesting to see London in the 60's, notice how the trains are still powered by steam in the scene behind the graveyard. The casting is quite strong especially Jean-Louis Trintignant who plays the lead role, he is supported by the beautiful Ewa Aulin, the cast of nefarious mob type figures is also a standout. The storyline although a little weak leaves you guessing until the end. It is quite enjoyable overall, but seems a little experimental and doesn't really mesh, but I liked the fact it had a sad ending.

This is so bad actually.... i love tinto but what a mess. i literally........dont care about anything going on in this movie even the formal experiments are like....redundant. the tarzan scene killed the movie for me tho the ending was slightly redemptive but like...hardly lmao.

Also frantic, rambling and hyper-stylized. Tinto Brass is like a kid in a candy story in this movie, trying out every little trick in the book he can think of (split screen, black & white / color, fast cuts, fast motion, comic book inserts, etc.). Ewa Aulin is wonderful (an alternate title of the movie, I Am What I Am, sums her up perfectly), and there is also some terrific London location shooting. Plot-wise it doesn't make much sense, but I don't think it was supposed to; it is more about capturing a spur-of-the-moment spontaneity, and at that it succeeds. **1/2 out of 4.